Texas Auto Writers Association Recognizes 2017 Excellence in Craft Competition Winners

Dallas, TX - September 28, 2017

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered for the annual Excellence in Craft Competition. More than 100 entries were received across six different categories. This year’s competition included two new features - the inaugural Texas Truck Invitational, sponsored by Katzkin Automotive Leather, and a new PR Press Kits category for manufacturers.

In the same spirit as TAWA’s signature Texas Truck Rodeo event, the new Texas Truck Invitational writing competition punctuates the importance of the state’s nationally prominent truck market. It gives TAWA members an opportunity to gauge the caliber of their work in comparison to non-member truck writers across North America. TAWA Texas Truck Invitational entrants compete in Magazine and Newspaper writing categories. An overall winner is chosen from the two categories based on the highest score. 

The new PR Press Kit category had strong Manufacturer member participation with the submissions of informative, easy-to-navigate press kits. Entries also were creative, grabbing attention with bold and vivid graphics, engaging videos and photos suited for high-quality production.

This year, EICC was judged on a point system, so it could be seen in detail how an entry was scored. There were high-scoring entries that didn’t place, but came close in crowded, highly competitive categories. This situation led to a couple of tied scores and the decision to give Special Recognition awards.

TAWA thanks Katzkin Automotive Leather for its support of the Texas Truck Invitational writing category, providing a $2,000 Katzkin leather interior as the grand prize. This significantly contributed to the success of the Excellence in Craft Competition’s new endeavor.

 

The 2017 Excellence in Craft Competition marks the first year of an all-digital entry and judging process. This new approach worked remarkably well and significantly increased the competition’s overall efficiency.

The Excellence in Craft Competition has grown considerably for 2017. Two new categories have been added and the number of awards presented more than doubles last year’s effort.

2017 EICC WINNERS

TEXAS TRUCK INVITATIONAL WINNERS

OVERALL WINNER

(Katzkin Automotive Leather recipient)

Sue Mead - Automobile Magazine

“The desert hills life: Rod Hall -- 24-time Baja 1000 winner” 

TTI MAGAZINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Sue Mead - Automobile Magazine

“The desert hills life: Rod Hall -- 24-time Baja 1000 winner”

Judge’s comment: “Just floor it and head southeast. I can smell the dust on this one. Great job.”

SECOND PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Gregory R. Whale - Autoblog.com

“Power Wagon train: Exploring the Mojave Road”

Judge’s comment: “Greg puts me right in the Power Wagon on the Mojave Road and explains the truck's product features in plain English.”

THIRD PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Dave Boldt - Autoblog.com

“The super-sized Atlas isn't the three-row VW should build”

Judge’s comment: “You can't fault VW for giving buyers what they think they want, but David makes a convincing point that VW is losing its brand focus established over a half century and will be difficult to win back.”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - MAGAZINE WRITING

Tim Esterdahl - Truck Trend Magazine

“Million-mile Tundra: The teardown”

TTI NEWSPAPER WRITING

FIRST PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Bill Owney - Texarkana Gazette

“Ford Raptor: New truck less bird of prey, more ball of energy”

Judge’s comment: “Informative. Engaging. Well done.”

SECOND PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Kelly Taylor - Winnipeg Free Press Autos

“Discovery most capable vehicle in Land Rover’s lineup”

Judge’s comment: “Good detail”

THIRD - NEWSPAPER  WRITING 

Derek Price - Green Shoot Media

“Pumped to the Duramax”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Marlon Hanson - Focus Daily News

“2017 Ford Raptor tackles Barnhill Mountain with ease”

 

EXCELLENCE IN CRAFT COMPETITION

TAWA MEMBERS-ONLY CATEGORIES (NOTE: There were 2 ties in the Magazine category *)

MAGAZINE WRITING

*FIRST PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Frank Ledwell - OutdoorX4 Magazine

“Above and beyond – Land Rover’s new Discovery”

Judge’s comment: “A bell-ringer! This is one of the best new product drive reviews I've read in quite a while.”

*FIRST PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Stan Wright - OutdoorX4 Magazine

Judge’s comment: “Clearly, this story is in a whole other league as to subject matter, making mere drive reviews somehow seem inconsequential. BTW, photos are outstanding, too.”

SECOND PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Sue Mead - Truck Trend Magazine

“2017 Land Rover Discovery -- rugged elegance”

THIRD PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Gregory R. Whale - Turbo Diesel Register

“Corporate Average Fuel Economy and you”

*SPECIAL RECOGNITION - MAGAZINE WRITING

Mark McNabb - TopSpeed.com

“2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – Driven”

*SPECIAL RECOGNITION - MAGAZINE WRITING

Jeff Yip - AutoWeek

“What is right? So many tire options available”

NEWSPAPER WRITING

FIRST PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Sue Mead - Cool Hunting.com

“Bollinger Motors’ B1 Electric Sport Utility Truck”

Judge’s comment: “Nice depth on a unique vehicle”

SECOND PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

David Boldt - Katy Trail Weekly

“Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio: In love with the shape of you”

THIRD PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

 Derek Price - Green Shoot Media

“FIAT 500 woos buyers with styling, price drop”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Bill Owney - Texarkana Gazette

“Cruising in comfort: Boring can be a great thing in Volvo’s S90”

RADIO

FIRST PLACE - RADIO

In Wheel Time

“James Espey, VP DeLorean Motor Company interview”

Judge’s comment: “DeLorean exec: Well-told, seldom-heard perspective.”

SECOND PLACE - RADIO

Harold Gunn & Wayne Cronin - The Automotive Reporter

“Ford Motor Co. historian, Bob Kreipke”

THIRD PLACE - RADIO

Michael Garfield - Representing The High-Tech Texan/iHeartVehicles

For his “High Tech Auto Report – Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION — RADIO

Meggan Bailey - Skidmarks Show

“Skidmarks Show -- Episode 30”

PR PRESS KITS

FIRST PLACE - PR PRESS KITS

FCA Communications

Dodge Challenger Demon press kit

Judge’s comment: “Vivid graphics and video, a great magazine-like design. The site is clean and easy to read while being appropriately bold for the subject matter. Even the manufacturer-rep interview was compelling. All in all, the best package I saw.

SECOND PLACE - PR PRESS KITS

Brad Nelson - Honda Public Relations

2018 Honda Odyssey press kit

THIRD PLACE - PR PRESS KITS

Dan Passe - Nissan

“Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept makes world debut at North American International Auto Show”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – PR PRESS KITS

Mazda Public Relations

“2017 Mazda CX-5 press kit”

WEB DESIGN

FIRST PLACE - WEB DESIGN

Greg Riley & Reagan Wyka - GearboxTV.com

“1957 Ford Skyliner”

Judge’s comment: “We ride shotgun along with Greg in a '57 Ford Skyliner. Classic, understated web design in a wider format showcases the vivid photography well.... you feel as if you're a fellow car buddy along on the test drive.”

SECOND PLACE - WEB DESIGN

OutdoorX4 Magazine

“Adventure riding and the venerable KLR”

THIRD PLACE - WEB DESIGN

Sherri Tilley - TheFlashList.com Travel & Entertainment Guide

“Riding like a rock star in the new 2017 Lincoln Continental

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – WEB DESIGN

Michael Garfield

iHeartVehicles.com – “Driven . . . with an opinion”

PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST PLACE - PHOTOGRAPHY

Kristin Barclay - In Deep H20

"The Ram life”

Judge’s comment about this Ram pickup shot: “I like the angle – it draws attention to the truck. It also helps with the lighting and reflections on the truck.”

SECOND PLACE -- PHOTOGRAPHY

Frank Ledwell - OutdoorX4 Magazine

“Colorado's front range”

THIRD PLACE -- PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Yip - AutoWeek

“Blue BMW”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – PHOTOGRAPHY

Marlon Hanson - Focus Daily News

“The new Camry”

All winner photos can be found HERE.

A special thanks goes out to James "Spoony" McClain with Major League Photography for photos of all of our winners.

JUDGE BIOS

Stan Hulen: Judge for Web Design and PR Press Kits:

Stan Hulen is an award-winning Dallas designer with more than 35 years of experience. Starting his career with a journalism degree from University of Missouri, he worked as Art Director for both the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald until he started his own design firm 25 years ago. Since then, he has served a variety of clients including the State Fair of Texas, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Texas Instruments, SMU, Southwest Airlines, and the cities of Frisco and Plano, Texas.   An avid automotive-design buff, Stan said he’s devoured every car magazine he could get his hands on for the past 50 years.

Christian Alan Waits - M.Photog. Cr ( Master Craftsman Degree): Photography judge

Christian has been a photographer for 45+ Years.

Degrees: Commercial Photography Degree from East Texas State University, with High Honors, Master of Photography, Professional Photographers of America 1992, Craftsman Photographer, Professional Photographers of America 1993, Past President Dallas Professional Photographers Association 1993, Christian holds the degree of Master Craftsman Photographer in Professional Photographers of America. Awards, professional organizations:

He has been awarded the Kodak Gallery Award for Photographic Excellence, SWPA Best Commercial, SWPA Special Award Best Commercial Product, TPPA Best Overall Commercial, TPPA Best Product, Dallas PPA Best Commercial, Loan Collection Photograph and numerous first-place Distinguished Print Awards and Merits. Christian has lectured at many photography guilds and conventions throughout New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. He is Past President Dallas Professional Photographers Association and Charter Fellowship Dallas PPA. Christian is currently the Dallas Summer Musicals photographer.

Ron Sessions and Steven Cole Smith:

Newspaper and Magazine Writing/Texas Truck Invitational.

Ron also judged Photography and Steven was a Radio judge

Ron Sessions:

Ron’s career has spanned 40+ years. He’s been a staff editor at Road & Track, Motor Trend and Car and Driver, worked behind the scenes as a vehicle analyst at General Motors, created two auto enthusiast magazine titles (including the award-winning Open Road), and he’s written five automotive books. He created the award-winning magazineExotic Cars Quarterly and penned a coffee-table book on the Nissan 350Z. In addition to his work for BeCarChic.com, Ron is a contributing editor for Car and Driver, Caranddriver.com, Autotrader.com, AutoWeb.com, the New York Daily News and others.

Ron also was a photography judge. He has had thousands of his images published in magazines, books and online.

Steven Cole Smith:

Steven holds a bachelors degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was a TAWA founding member. He’s formerly the executive editor of Car and Driver and AMI Auto World magazines, and he wrote a weekly column for the New York Times Syndicate for seven years. He has worked for newspapers in Louisiana, Texas and Florida, and has had bylined stories in hundreds of publications ranging from The Times of London to Forbes magazine to the Financial Times. He has held NHRA Pro Comp, IMSA, NARRA and SCCA Pro racing licenses. Steven also was the Radio category judge -- he was the executive producer of Car and Driver Television, and hosted a nationally syndicated motorsports radio program, as well as two weekly local automotive radio shows in Florida.

About TAWA

Texas Auto Writers Association is a nonprofit organization that has promoted professionalism and quality reporting in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction; the Texas Truck Rodeo at the Long Horn River Ranch in the Texas Hill Country and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas College and university students majoring in journalism. The group’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

AUSTIN, Texas, May 8, 2017

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered for the annual Texas Auto Roundup, presented by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), to drive and evaluate 42 vehicles within 11 categories at the Circuit of the Americas May 5-8. Fifty-two journalists evaluated vehicles on the Formula 1 racetrack and chose the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as the Car of Texas.

2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Car of Texas - 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

In addition, the group named the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S as the Performance Car of Texas and the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum as the Family Car of Texas.

2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Performance Car of Texas - 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Family Car of Texas - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

Journalists came from across the country and from around the world, including the Netherlands, to evaluate vehicles at the Roundup. The beautiful weather over the Circuit of the Americas allowed them to drive through a variety of exercises, including tight turns, a 0-60 mph test, and a slalom course.

TAWA president Nic Phillips said, “This is a pivotal year for the Texas Auto Writers Association, moving our on-road focused event to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, home of the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix and immediately following the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown. The vision of the event was to create an opportunity for our members to learn about the latest advances in technologies derived through racing and then experience their application in the latest street cars.” 

Phillips added, “The manufacturers provided us with an incredible stable of the latest family, luxury, and performance vehicles to evaluate, and our journalists racked up more than 1,100 individual drives for more than 130 cumulative hours behind the wheel.”  

Winning the Compact Car category was the 2017 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring, with the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback coming in as the runner-up.

The Minivan category was won by the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum, with the 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD runner-up. Activity Vehicle was the 2017 Jeep Compass Latitude/Trailhawk, with the 2017 Mazda CX-5 runner-up. 

In the Full-Size Luxury Car category, the 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription was the winner with the 2017 Chrysler 300 runner-up. 

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum came in first in the Green Vehicle category. The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was the runner-up.

Performance Compact winner was the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, with the 2017 Toyota 86 860 Special Edition runner-up.  The top Performance Coupe was the 2018 Lexus LC 500h with the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 runner-up. Performance Sedan winner was the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, with the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat runner-up.

Winning in Performance Utility was the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The 2017 Infiniti QX30 Premium AWD was runner-up. 

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S won the Supercar category, with the 2017 Nissan GTR Premium as runner-up.

In the Best Feature competition, the hybrid powertrain of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was the winner. The Toyota Safety Sense system was runner-up.

The award for the Best New Interior went to the 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription.

Circuit of the Americas - Austin, TX: site of the 2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, with a mission to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and disseminate information about the industry through news-related print, online and broadcast media. TAWA produces two driving events each year—the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies. For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.

For Multimedia: click here 

Media contact: Fabian Campos, 214.674.8987, fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org 

SOURCE Texas Auto Writers Association

TAWA Director at Large, Derek Shiekhi presents two (2) Harold Gunn Scholarship for Journalism checks of $1,000 each to Megan Rodriguez from Texas A&M University and Marangeli Lopez-Santiago from University of Texas at Arlington.

Texas Auto Writers Association Partners with the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association to Help College Students

To help make a difference in the lives of tomorrow's journalists, the Texas Auto Writers Association recently awarded $2,000 in scholarships at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association's 2017 convention in Dallas.

The Texas Auto Writers Association started in 1987 as an organization in which automotive journalists could network with each other and automobile manufacturers. Through those connections and various driving events, TAWA members have been able to share news about vehicles and developments within the automotive industry with their readers. Under the leadership of Texas Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster and prolific automotive journalist Harold Gunn, TAWA established a scholarship fund (now known as the Harold Gunn Scholarship for Journalism) that could benefit college journalists. Over the years, automobile manufacturers and TAWA members have contributed to the scholarship fund which has helped ease the financial burden of higher education for students in Texas.

This year, to broaden its reach to students in all parts of the state, TAWA has partnered with the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, one of the largest collegiate groups in the country. According to Fred Stewart, executive director of TIPA and a professor of journalism at Texas A&M University - Commerce, TIPA has more than 70 member schools.

TAWA board member Derek Shiekhi attended the 2017 TIPA awards breakfast and scholarship presentation at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown on Saturday, April 1 to award a $1,000 scholarship to a pair of journalism students. In front of more than 500 faculty members, advisors, and students from 45 Texas colleges, universities, and community colleges, Megan Rodriguez from Texas A&M University - College Station and Marangeli Lopez-Santiago from University of Texas at Arlington accepted their scholarships.

To learn more about the Texas Auto Writers Association and find out how to join the organization, visit TexasAutoWriters.org.

The 2017 TIPA awards breakfast and scholarship presentation at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown.

Fred Diaz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, explains Texas Titian features to The New York Times' reporter Manny Fernandez at the 2016 TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo, photo courtesy Nic Phillips

The New York Times' Manny Fernandez joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) for the full two days of the 2016 Texas Truck Rodeo, ultimately gaining "a new appreciation for the word truck-a-thon" which he shared readers in national print and digital coverage running New Years Eve, December 31, 2016. 

Fernandez, having never so much as driven a truck let alone a vast competitive field of them, featured his conversations with Fred Diaz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc., long-standing TAWA members Tim Spell, 2011 Dakar Rally winner Sue Mead and his high-speed troublemaking with Seth Goslawski, Performance Powertrain PMT in the Ford Motor Company 2017 F150 Raptor. 

Read the Article: Rodeo Offers a 90-M.P.H. Glimpse of Texans’ Truck Mania

"The Oscars for pickup trucks" version of this article appears in print on December 31, 2016, on Page A12 of the New York edition with the headline: A 90-M.P.H. Glimpse of Texan ‘Truck-Itis’.

Images of The New York Times National Print Edition

Houston, December 31, 2016

Each fall, the Texas Auto Writers Association’s (TAWA) annual Texas Truck Rodeo attracts more than 70 automotive journalists from across the United States for a two-day evaluation of the industry’s best trucks, SUVs and CUVs in 17 different categories.

This year's Rodeo provided an opportunity for Toyota to showcase the all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and allow journalists the first opportunity to drive it anywhere. After thousands of drives and what accumulated to more than 15 days behind the wheel, the truck was awarded the 2017 Mid-size Truck of Texas, for the second year in a row. 

Toyota was thrilled to receive the award and wanted to celebrate with those who helped make it possible.

TAWA President Nic Phillips shares remarks with the Toyota Texas Team as to the significance of a repeat win by the Toyota Tacoma at the plant in San Antonio, Texas. photo courtesy of TMMTX

On November 29, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas in San Antonio hosted TAWA’s President Nic Phillips in a ceremony to present the award. Phillips, alongside Plant President Yoshi Nagatani and Plant Vice President Kirk Kohler, spoke to plant team members, on-site suppliers and community partners about their strong role in winning of the Mid-size Truck of Texas award for a second consecutive year.

Austin, TX - Oct. 11, 2016

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered in Dripping Springs, Texas, for the 26th annual Texas Truck Rodeo where more than 70 journalists named the 2017 Ford Super Duty the 2017 “Truck of Texas.”

More than 71 vehicles valued at nearly $4 million were evaluated in 17 categories over a two-day period at a new venue for this year’s truck rodeo, the Longhorn River Ranch.

“We are honored to win the ‘Truck of Texas’ award as it underscores how the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty lineup are the toughest, smartest and most capable trucks we’ve ever built,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager. “This prestigious award from the Texas Auto Writer’s Association further solidifies Ford’s truck leadership in Texas, where F-series continues to be the best-selling truck and builds on our momentum as the top-selling truck in the United States for 39 consecutive years.”

The 2017 Nissan Armada was named the SUV of Texas and the 2017 Volvo XC90 was named the CUV of Texas. TAWA journalists voted Ford Motor Co. as the 2017 Truck Line of Texas.

The TAWA Truck Rodeo, sponsored by Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), was held in the scenic Texas Hill Country as vehicles were tested both on and off-road. TAWA members evaluated the off-road vehicles while climbing rocks, crossing creeks and dodging exotic wildlife.

TAWA members evaluated pickups, SUVs and crossover utility vehicles whose combined sticker prices totaled more than $4 million. Engineers from the competing manufacturers were on hand to answer questions from journalists about the vehicles and to aid in the evaluation process. Journalists were also able to evaluate vehicles side by side.

“This year’s Texas Truck Rodeo was by far the most competitive in the most categories,” TAWA President Nic Phillips said. “More than 70 member journalists put in more than the equivalent of 15 days of driving time in the competing vehicles. After careful evaluation, I believe the results of the competition show just how competitive truck and utility vehicles are today,” Phillips said. “Ford’s all-new 2017 Super Duty and its innovative use of advanced materials, as well as improvements in powertrain and features, thoroughly impressed our journalists,” he said. “Nissan was the most overall awarded brand with five category wins, including the 2017 Nissan Armada as the SUV of Texas. Volvo defended its title as CUV of Texas with the 2017 XC90.”

The 2017 award categories and winning vehicles were:

Truck of Texas: 2017 Ford Super Duty

SUV of Texas: 2017 Nissan Armada

CUV of Texas: 2017 Volvo XC90

Truck line of Texas: Ford Motor Co.

Heavy duty pickup truck: 2017 Ford Super Duty

Best commercial vehicle: 2017 Nissan Titan XD Single Cab

Luxury pickup truck: 2017 RAM 1500

Off-road pickup: 2017 RAM 2500 Power Wagon

Full-size pickup: 2017 Nissan Titan

Midsize pickup: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Best technology: Honda In-bed audio system

Best connectivity: FCA Uconnect Access

Best powertrain: 2017 Ford F-150 with 3.5 EcoBoost V-6 engine

Off-road utility vehicle: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Full-size luxury SUV: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mid-size luxury SUV: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

Full-size SUV: 2017 Nissan Armada

Mid-size SUV: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Compact SUV: 2017 Jeep Cherokee

Full-size CUV: 2016 Mazda CX-9

Mid-size CUV: 2016 Nissan Murano

Compact CUV: 2016 Jeep Renegade

Luxury CUV: 2017 Volvo XC90

The Texas Auto Writers Association, Inc. was founded in 1985 by automotive journalists who wanted to provide an avenue of professional growth, development and networking. These professionals sought to create an automotive event that was unique to Texas, and the result was the TAWA Truck Rodeo. Since 1992, Truck Rodeos have been held in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury and Spring Branch, and now Dripping Springs.

At nearly 1,650 acres, with over a mile of frontage on FM 165, approximately 1.25 miles of both sides of Onion Creek, rich bottom land and high hilltops, ample native and exotic game, Longhorn River Ranch was an ideal location for evaluating the off-road capabilities of the latest and greatest from auto manufacturers.

In 2003, TAWA created an event for sedans, sports cars, and other vehicles not eligible for the Truck Rodeo. The Texas Auto Roundup, as the event is called today, has been held annually at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.texasautowriters.org.

For multimedia content: http://texasautowriters.tritium.co/tawa-announces-2016-texas-truck-rodeo-winners

CONTACT: Fabian Campos, fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org, 214.674.8987

Texas Auto Writers Association Names the 2016 Car of Texas and Family Car of Texas

FORT WORTH, TX -- May 03, 2016 - The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered once again for the annual Texas Auto Roundup to drive and evaluate 53 vehicles, within 17 different categories, over a two-day period. Fifty-eight journalists descended on Texas Motor Speedway and have chosen the 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R as Car of Texas, and the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica as the Family Car of Texas.

Journalists came from 11 different states across the country, and from around the globe including the Netherlands. Despite early threats for a repeat of the deluge of 2015, the weather finally cleared up enough to allow journalists to take full advantage of the Texas Motor Speedway facilities including the infield racetrack.

Winning the Compact Car category was the 2016 Honda Civic Touring, with the 2016 Mazda3 5-door Grand Touring runner-up.

In the Mid-Size Car category, the 2016 Kia Optima SXL was named the winner with the 2016 Nissan Altima SL runner-up. In the Mid-Size Luxury Car category, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 was the winner with the 2016 Lexus ES 350 runner-up.

In the full-size category, the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack was the winner with the 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum runner-up. For the full-size luxury car, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 was the winner, with the 2016 Chrysler 300 Platinum runner-up.

Performance Compact winner was the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club, with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R runner-up. Performance Coupe was the 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R with the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat runner-up. Performance Sedan was the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, with the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan runner-up.

The Minivan category was won by the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited, with the 2016 Toyota Sienna Limited runner-up. Activity Vehicle was the 2016 Nissan Murano Platinum, with the 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Drive-E runner-up.

Performance Utility was won by the 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD R-Design with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT runner-up. The Green Vehicle was the 2016 Lexus RX 450h, with the 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier Hatchback runner-up.

The Super Car of Texas was the 2016 Dodge Viper GTC.

"This year's Texas Auto Roundup was our biggest yet with a record number of journalists and a highly competitive field of vehicles to evaluate."

"All our manufacturers brought outstanding vehicles for us to assess, however, there were some standouts that caught the attention of our journalist members when considering their performance, value, and versatility." "This event represents a tremendous amount of work and consideration and I'd like to thank our diverse group of journalist members, the Board of Directors and especially our automotive manufacturers for their continued dedication to our recognition of their best of the best." --  Nic Phillips, President, TAWA 

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TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, with a mission to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and disseminate information about the industry through news related print, online and broadcast media. TAWA produces two driving events each year -- the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies. For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.

 

For Multimedia -- http://texasautowriters.tritium.co/texas-auto-writers-association-chooses-the-2016-car-of-texas-and-family-car-of-texas

 

Media contact: 
Fabian Campos
214.674.8987
fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org

 

TAWA Partners With Wieck For Digital Support

AUSTIN, TX  -- April 4, 2016 – The Texas Auto Writers Association, Inc. (TAWA) has entered into an exclusive agreement with Wieck, a digital technology firm that provides services to numerous Fortune 500 companies and leading automotive brands, to become the official technology & communications partner of TAWA.

The Dallas-area Wieck team will provide TAWA with its latest multimedia news distribution platform to broaden the Association’s communications reach, along with a new e-commerce platform and other digital development support.

 “Wieck has the industry understanding, the technological know-how and the comprehensive multimedia platforms to enhance our member experience and external news distribution capabilities,” said Nic Phillips, President of TAWA. “We are a lean organization and the efficiency of Wieck’s platform coupled with their benchmark customer service made this decision an easy one for us.”

“Wieck has the industry understanding, the technological know-how and the comprehensive multimedia platforms to enhance our member experience and external news distribution capabilities. We are a lean organization and the efficiency of Wieck’s platform coupled with their benchmark customer service made this decision an easy one for us.”  Nic Phillips, President of TAWA 

“We’ve been providing digital newsrooms and asset management systems for the world’s top automakers and other Fortune 500 companies for more than 25 years,” Wieck CEO Tim Roberts said. “We look forward to the partnership and collaborations with the TAWA team.”

Marc Newman, Senior VP at Wieck, said, “We are thrilled that the TAWA team has chosen Wieck as a partner. Our long record of multimedia content management, web development, and digital distribution expertise will quickly broaden TAWA’s narrative.” 

“We very much look forward to working with Roberts, Newman and the entire Wieck team as we expand the reach of the Texas Auto Writers brand and the impact of our signature Texas Truck Rodeo and Texas Auto Roundup competitive evaluation events in 2016. ” Phillips said.

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About TAWA –

Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) is a nonprofit organization that has promoted professionalism and quality reporting in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained international traction; the Texas Truck Rodeo at the Long Horn River Ranch in the Texas Hill Country and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas College and university students majoring in journalism. The Association’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

About Wieck –

Pioneering today’s online newsroom, Wieck is a web development, content management and multimedia production company fueled by strategic techies and storytellers. Its clients include American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Baylor Scott & White Heath Care, Ford Motor Co., Hess Corporation, Mercedes-Benz USA, The New York Times Syndicate and News Services, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Southwest Airlines. Combining veteran editors and website managers with the latest in digital technology, Wieck helps the world’s top news organizations and corporate communications teams distribute their stories and information around the world.

For Multimedia - http://texasautowriters.tritium.co/tawa-partners-with-wieck-for-digital-support

Media contacts:

TAWA --

Fabian Campos, 214-674-8987

fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org

www.texasautowriters.org

Wieck --

Marc Newman, 469-215-2557

marc@wieck.com

www.wieck.com

Texas Auto Writers Association Names Winners of Excellence in Craft Competition

Dallas, TX, September 25, 2015…Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) announced the winners of their ninth annual Excellence in Craft Competition at a lunch event held at the Music Hall at Fair Park September 25.  The six categories and winning entries follow:

English Language Newspaper, judged by esteemed newsman, author, and four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee Hugh Aynesworth.

• 1.      Steve Wheeler, The Advocate, article about Dodge SRT Hellcat.
• 2.      Derek Price, St. Louis Post Dispatch, column evaluating the Toyota Highlander.
• 3.      Tabatha Chovanetz, Focus Daily News, article about the Ford Mustang.

Spanish Language Newspaper, judged by bilingual Northwood University MBA and DSM Public Relations manager Francisco Chairez.

• 1.       Ellie Byrd, El Heraldo News-Sabre Ruedas, article on the 2015 Scion tC..
• 2.       Gretha Gudmundsson, El Lider USA, Motor Avenida, article on 2016 Ford Edge.
• 3.       Krystle Smart, El Lider USA, article on 2015 Nissan Rogue.

Magazine, judged by award-winning journalist and author Carlton Stowers. 

• 1.      “Tow, Tow, Tow Your Boat” by Linda Water Nelson for Gaff Magazine.
• 2.      “Driving It Makes All the Difference” by Joe Sage for Arizona Driver Magazine.
• 3.      “What Drives Us? By Beverly and Steve Smirnis for Estate Life.

Radio, judged by longtime KSCI reporter Brother Van.

• 1.      The Car Pro Show, listener call-in program.  Jerry Reynolds hosts syndicated program on numerous stations across the country with sidekick Kevin McCarthy.   
• 2.      The Automotive Reporter, Houston area radio show featuring Harold Gunn and Brent Clanton,    Interview with Ford Historian Bob Kreipke.
• 3.      The High Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield, Interview with GM Communications Manager Stuart Fowle.

Internet, judged by graphic artist, illustrator, journalist Stan Hulen.

• 1.      Derek Shiekhi, Internet Brands Automotive Group, article: “Ford Wins Truck of Texas and More at TAWA’s 2014 Truck Rodeo”
• 2.      Sherri Tilley, TheFlashList.com, article “Car Review: 2015 Chrysler 200 C AWD”
• 3.      Greg Riley, Garage Deluxe.  Article:  “Greg Goes a Hellcattin’…”

Photography, Entries Judged by Christian Waits, ProPhotography Studios.

     1.  Kevin McCauley, Ford GT40

     2.  Sherri Tilley, Mazda 3 Kodo Design.

 

“The Excellence in Craft Competition is the opportunity to showcase the work of our members,” said Michael Marrs, President of the Texas Auto Writers Association.  “The 2015 competition was an outstanding success, with Chairman Durhl Caussey putting together an esteemed panel of judges who really had their work cut out for them with all the great entries.”

Texas Auto Writers Association is a nonprofit organization promoting professionalism and quality in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction: the Texas Truck Rodeo and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas college and university students with a journalism major.   The group’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

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For more information about TAWA, visit www.texasautowriters.org. 

For media information, please contact Jo Ann Holt Caussey, VP Communications, at communications@texasautowriters.org.